VIJAYAWADA

KIRATARJUNEEYAM

During the twelve-year-vanavasa period of the Pandavas, sage Veda Vyasa, the divine poet - seer met in Darukavana to console them. In the conversation ensued then, he advised them to obtain Pasupathastra, the most potent of astras from Lord Siva by ding penance. And assured that it would bring them spectacular victory in the Kurukshetra war going to take place shortly. Choice fell on Arjuna, when 'who' the fittest to obtain it was discussed. Soon Arjuna set out on the mission. As he neared this zone, one yaksha at the behest of Devendra in the guise of a human, under the name of Trikoti-Boy met and directed him to go to Indrakila Parvatha for penance. Finding it quite ideal for penance, Arjuna started with all rigour and fervour - standing on one foot with arms raised over head, surrounded by fire on four sides. A severe one, demanding physical stamina and mental concentration. Arjuna withstood. Lord Siva was pleased, yet thought it fit to put him to test. Disguised as hunter, he descended on this spot and started chasing a boar, created at volition to enacting a make-believe hunting. The grunting of boar, and chasing sound of hunter disturbed Arjuna's tapas. When the tumult and bustle went beyond the point of endurance, he shot it with a single arrow and brought it down.

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